JP2003060747A - Smart phone integrated with computer system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To integrate a computer with a telephone set. SOLUTION: A business telephone system employs digital signal processing in a digital telephone having a serial link (22) for connection to a general-purpose computer. A smart phone (13) is a central intelligence part for the system, which may utilize a PBX connected to a LAN to a plurality of computers, and each computer is provided with one or more smart phones (13) connected. The smart phones (13) are provided with docking bays that provide an ability to interchange functional modules including DSP modules. The docking bays and functional modules may be configured to PCMCIA standards. A PCMCIA docking bay has a physical window allowing access to an input area on a docked module. The docked module is an intelligent module with a CPU, a memory, and a bus structure for controlling the operation of the smart phone (13).

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention is in the area of telephone communication systems and, more particularly, relates to integrating a computer and a telephone by using a digital signal processor and a personal portable information device.

[0002]

With the advent of personal computers, manufacturers have sought to integrate voice and data communication devices. Although the initial attempts at this integration resulted in mixed results, the new product offers all the features of a traditional telephone, a modern computer-supported switching system technically known as a private branch exchange (PBX). Integrated with.

One of the major technological developments is digital transmission as an excellent method of signal transmission within the PBX. Digital technology enables high speed data transmission through twisted pair wiring that was previously used only for analog voice transmission. The integrated voice-data terminal, the adapter in the phone, and the stand-alone device provide complex functions such as voice and data transmission simultaneously.

A key element in the development of digital PBX systems is digital signal processing (DSP) technology.
The DSP device is a specialized microprocessor configured to process digitized analog signals. Unlike ordinary microprocessors, DSPs often have several paths for communication with peripherals, allowing them to perform many of their system bus operations without CPU intervention. Become. DSPs provide improved interrupt services and fast real-time processing.

[0005] Telephones have also been developed, and have further widespread uses because they have information processing functions. Most PBXs support industry standard single-line telephone sets with rotary dials and push-button dual tone multi-frequency (DTMF) dial pads. However, the general trend is toward dedicated electronic digital multi-button telephone sets with local microprocessors that support enhanced configurations and features. Such buttons can be programmed for access to multiple lines and trunks from the same telephone by different users, or for a combined letter and number display that provides information about a call in progress.

[0006] Today, PBX's for common control are:
Often multiple microprocessors are used. CP
The U or main microprocessor coordinates the functions of the other microprocessors and establishes the call connection. Secondary microprocessors are located on other circuit cards and sometimes in electronic digital telephones.

Switched data transmissions through PBXs, and often through local area networks (LANs), allow communication with other data devices or computers connected to the system, and when over public switched networks. Can communicate with a wide variety of remote data devices and computers.
Modern PBXs offer features such as call forwarding, lowest cost routing, station message recording, conference holding, search lines, and call barring.

FIGS. 1 and 2 show two PBX design choices known to the inventor. FIG. 1 is an external block diagram of what is termed the "smart PBX" system. This design features one or more DSP cards in a PBX that support voicemail, fax and other telephony operations. PC control is LAN
Achieved through the network. This smart PBX
Allows for efficient internal exchanges and current phone usage, and because voicemail and other features are independent of the PC, they work even when the PC is unavailable. On the other hand, this solution requires a major redesign of the PBX, with attendant development problems. PBX
There is also the cost of replacing the installed base.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating another possible solution. In this system, the DSP device is provided in the PC as an independent module such as an expansion card. Such systems typically use an integrated services digital communications network (ISDN) interface between the PBX and the DSP. Special multimedia features can be sent to the telephone system.

The system of FIG. 2 can be built using current cards, has relatively low hardware investment, and shares the case and power supply with the PC,
The cost of providing P is relatively low. However,
For example, this design is not well suited for workstations, the user has to install an adapter card, and PCs are not a good environment for analog circuits due to EMI and switching noise.

Currently, there is no cheap and easy way to provide a modern telephone communication system. Smart PBX as shown in Figure 1
A major deterrent to PBX is the high cost of PBXs. Generally, a PC has a limited space for installing an adapter and an adapter, and the setup is inconvenient for the user. Therefore, the telephone communication system in which the DSP function as shown in FIG. Not suitable. In addition, electromagnetic interference and switching noise make PCs an undesirable environment for analog circuits.

[0012]

What is needed is a solution that allows a user to conveniently add and replace functional modules as needed. This is a DSP
And under the control of other functional modules are provided in the present invention. The only change required on the installed base is the new smartphone, which can be easily and quickly installed on both PCs and PBXs. With these new things,
Enables expansion to full-service multimedia telephony.

Smartphones with coupling outlets for functional modules and functional modules providing a wide range of functional selections as technically required are provided in many forms according to the invention. One form retains the look and feel of a conventional telephone, but has a coupling spigot and access to a coupled module, as described more fully below. Another form is the well-known form of a portable computer, such as a notebook computer, where the computer has multiple mating outlets. In yet another form, the system of the present invention takes the form of a desktop device or workstation of a personal computer on a network, in which case the smartphone components are, as more fully described below, It is integrated with a computer element or on a function card that can be connected to one or more connection sockets.

In all of these forms, it is desirable to also have functional modules including input / output functions such as a keyboard or touch screen and a display device, and computer functions such as on-board memory and a microprocessor controller.

[0015]

In the embodiment of the present invention,
Provided is a modular computer with a mating outlet for coupling all conventional elements of a personal computer plus a functional module and a digital telephone circuit. This computer is equipped with a microphone-speaker device for inputting and outputting voice. The digital telephone circuit includes a coder / decoder (CODEC) for converting between analog and digital data forms and an ISDN telephone line port for connecting a computer to a telephone line.

In another embodiment, a Digital Signal Processor (DSP) microprocessor is provided as a functional module for processing digitized audio signals that can be coupled to the coupling socket.

In yet another embodiment, the modular computer comprises an on-board microphone speaker arrangement and digital telephone circuitry is provided in the combinable functional module to add digital telephone capability to the computer.

The physical form for such a smart phone / computer integration is the well-known form of a phone with at least one mating socket with a handset and a desktop computer or network with a mating socket. Includes workstations and forms of portable computers such as notebooks and laptops, where voice input and output also integrate speakers and microphones, as by connecting a regular handset. Provided by.

[0019]

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a smartphone system 11 according to an embodiment of the present invention,
PBX 17 preferably via ISDN (digital) line 16
It has at least one smartphone 13 connected to. Alternatively, this connection may be an analog connection.
The PBX 17 is connected to one or more PCs 21 on the LAN 18 and selectively connected to one or more network servers 19. Each smartphone 13 is also connected to the PC 21 by the serial link 22.

The smartphone 13 includes internal circuits for communicating with the PBX and the PC, and optionally one or more DSPs.
The functional device 15 is provided. The one or more DSP functional devices are hard-wired to the smartphone circuitry or preferably on one or more removable and replaceable modules.

In one embodiment, the DSP device and other functional modules are configured as a PCMCIA card. Such a PCMCIA card is inserted into the mating outlet (not shown in FIG. 3) on the smartphone. PCMCI with standard physical design
The Type II standard, which is configured to accept an A card, and which includes a multi-pin electrical connector, is preferred. Because the PCMCIA card is designed for "hot" insertion, that is, the PCMCIA card can be slid into place during the power-on state, one card slot can be installed without rebooting the host PC. Many functions can be exerted within one work session.

The serial link 22 in one preferred embodiment is a standard RS-485 protocol link. In other embodiments it may be RS-232. In an alternative preferred embodiment, this link may be a unique high speed serial interface, which is described more fully below with reference to FIG.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the smartphone 13 shown in FIG. As can be seen in FIG. 3, P
The BX17 is shown connected to the smartphone via an ISDN line 16, a PC workstation
21 is shown as connected to a smartphone via RS-485 wire 22.

The PC workstation 21 in this embodiment is equipped with a telephone application programming interface (TAPI) for coordinating the Windows applications running on the PC with the call function on the smartphone. Any number of different TAPIs and other telephone management type programs can be added to the PC workstation.

In FIG. 4, the smartphone device is shown divided into two main components, a telephone unit 14 and a DSP module 15. At the heart of the telephone unit 14 is an ASIC 24, which sends and receives over both ISDN line 16 and RS-485 line 22, monitors the conversion of incoming data to the required output, and other elements. Handles communication. ASIC24 is EEPROM25, coder /
It is connected to a keypad controller 27 with an encoder module (CODEC) 26, a selective liquid crystal display (LCD) 28, and to a microcontroller 37.

The EEPROM 25 holds instructions for telephone connection to the PBX 17. The CODEC 26 supports the telephone sound system and performs digital-analog and analog-digital data conversion through non-linear compression and decompression processes.

The audio input is either from the microphone 30 on the smartphone handset 29 or from the microphone 33 for the speakerphone 32. The audio signal is output through the amplifier and the main speaker 34 on the handset speaker 31 or speakerphone. The optional auxiliary speaker 35 is
It provides stereo sound with the main speaker 34 optionally acting as a subwoofer.

The mask read only memory (ROM) 36 is
For the microcontroller 37 connected to the ASIC, it holds the code containing the dual tone multi-frequency (DTMF) waveform table and the sound system waveform table.

The DSP module 15 shown in FIG.
It comprises a RAM 39, a flash ROM 40, and an optional microprocessor 41. Through the DSP, various signal processing functions can be integrated into the smartphone system. Flash ROM 40 holds DSP firmware and can also be programmed to compensate for broken code in ROM by methods known to the inventor, which is the subject of another patent application.

The RAM 39 is a working space of the DSP.
The RAM 39 also functions as a buffer and holds the data from the PC 21 until it can be converted by the ASIC 24.

As mentioned in the description of FIG. 3 above,
One embodiment incorporates a PC-smartphone interface through the RS-485 port. However, many PCs do not have RS-485 ports. Figure 5 shows the special interface 43, RS
It solves this problem by providing a plug-in interface that can be easily and inexpensively installed on a PC without a -485 port.

The interface as shown in FIG. 5 has a data cable 22 containing a pair of differential data lines plus ground. In other embodiments, there may be two pairs of differential lines plus ground to send and receive data separately, which allows high speed transmission.

The special interface comprises, on the PC side, a modified super I / O chip 45 with a plug connector (not shown). Super I
The three pins of the / O chip are reserved for PC-smartphone communication, that is, Tx for transmission, Rx for reception, and TxE for transmission enable. The modified Super I / O chip logic can be configured whatever communication protocol is desired. For example, in FIG. 5, four channels are assigned as follows. That is, Ch1, for communication of unprocessed line data such as voice and prerecorded data; Ch2, DSP channel for fax and modem communication; Ch3, microprocessor and command for smartphone enhancement function; Ch4, sound card function. It is the sound access from the PC. On the smartphone side of the special interface, as described above, the ASIC chip 24 represents the super I / O chip interface logic circuit. An optical coupler 47 is optionally included on the smartphone side to enhance noise rejection. A typical transmission protocol sends 1 bit for handshaking, 2 bits for channel assignment, and 16 bits for data.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an exemplary user interface for a smartphone 13 with three PCMCIs.
Coupling slot 42 that provides a standard connector for A-card 65
1 of which, as described with reference to FIG.
One is reserved for the DSP module.

In an alternative embodiment, the coupling outlet is
It may be placed anywhere on the smartphone, such as one side or the other side. In yet another embodiment, the coupling outlet may be a separate complete unit mechanically and electrically attached to the base of the smartphone. As a built-in or externally mounted unit, one or more additional coupling outlets can be successfully added to the smartphone.

In FIG. 6, the smartphone 13 also comprises a handset 29 with a normal microphone and speaker (not shown), and the combined microphone / speaker 33 and volume control slider 49 also act as a speakerphone. The smartphone 13 has the following externally wired interfaces: handset line 51, ISDN line 16 to PBX, RS-48 to PC.
It has an interface wired to line 5.

Selective plug-in speaker interface
57 is for stereo output. Alternatively, one or more analog interfaces 58 and 59 may be added to extend the multimedia application. The push button DTMF dial pad 53 and programmable feature button 61 allow the user to make phone calls and select basic smartphone features such as transfer, hold, mute, redial, line selection and speakerphone on / off. Provide access. Light emitting diode (LED)
A 63 or other type of signal light source indicates which telephone line is in use and / or when the speakerphone is on. An optional LCD display 28 provides a visual interface to the user to monitor the call.

FIG. 7 is an internal block diagram of the ASIC 24 of FIG. 4 with the features described with respect to FIGS. 3-6. Internal communication is performed through the internal bus (IBUS) 67. The use of the internal bus is controlled by a connection table 69, which is formed by an internal or external microprocessor, shown here as part of the microcontroller 37. Table access register 71 provides a link for the microprocessor,
This formation is performed. The ASIC interface and components are described below.

ISDN “S” interface 73 Incoming and outgoing ISDN lines, LI and LO
Links the PBX 17 to a smartphone. The isolated power converter 75 supplies 5 volt dc power. The incoming signal is ISD through an isolated pulse transformer 79.
The signal sent to and output from the N receiver 81 is the ISDN transmitter.
From 83 to the isolated pulse transformer 79. The activity controller 85 coordinates the activity of the ISDN receiver and ISDN transmitter with the rest of the ASIC 24. The reception data register 87 and the transmission data register 89 are provided for each bearer (B).
Temporarily stores data for channels and data for delta (D) channels, each bearer channel can carry any kind of data (digitally encoded voice, fax, text and numbers), The channel carries call status and control signals and functions as a third data channel.

Multi-Protocol Controller 91 One or more multi-protocol controllers 91 are ISD
It provides serial data communication between the PC 21 and other data terminal devices via the N interface 73. The multi-protocol controller handles asynchronous and synchronous formats, such as High Level Data Link Control (HDLC) and Synchronous Data Link Control (SDLC). This serial communication hardware, which appears to the PC software as a standard PC serial interface register set, allows ready-made communication software to run on the PC without modification.

PC Interface 93 The PC receiver 95 and the PC transmitter 97 have separate RS-485 data lines, that is, PC serial data in (PCSD
I) and data from PC Serial Data Out (PCSDO) are input and output respectively. Although separate transmit and receive lines are preferred for high speed full duplex communication, in a variant, the transmit and receive lines may be combined and connected to one transceiver block in the ASIC. Such a connection results in less wiring in the PC interface, but somewhat increases the complexity of the ASIC and reduces communication speed.

The PC processor 99 responds to instructions from the multi-protocol controller 91 to locate the data from the table access register 71 and access address information on the bus. A phase locked loop (PLL) circuit with a high frequency oscillator (VCO) 100 locks to the PCSDI data stream. This regenerated clock clocks the incoming data and synchronizes the Super I / O chip 45 in the PC with the digital logic of the ASIC, as shown in FIG. PCSDI data reclocked in this manner allows the PC link to operate at speeds greater than 50 megabits / second. For example, multi-protocol controller 91 or PCMC
Internal bus 67, like IA interface 109 card
Very fast communication is required to allow some of the above-mounted devices to report real-time status to the super I / O chip 45. Real-time status reporting is required for software driver transparency. The on-board clock 107 operates the ASIC digital logic circuit when the PCSDI line is unavailable. Switching between the two clock sources is done automatically by the PC receiver 95.

Microprocessor Interface 103 One or more microprocessors interface with the ASIC. The position of the microprocessor can be changed. For example, one or more microprocessors, outside the ASIC, on another chip on the circuit board,
Alternatively, it may reside on a PCMCIA card as part of the DSP module, or the microprocessor may be implemented in an ASIC. In FIG. 7, the chip outside the ASIC is a microprocessor, RAM and RO.
It comprises a microcontroller 37 containing M.
An optional microprocessor 41 outside the ASIC and flash ROM 40 are also connected to the microprocessor interface 103. In one variation, the ASIC
While the microprocessor 37 therein performs limited DSP functions, other microprocessors in the DSP module that are selectively input through the PCMCIA interface 109 (see below) may perform more complex functions. Good. Due to its modular design,
Many variations are possible.

The PCMCIA interface 109 expansion bus 111 is connected to the PCMCIA connectors 113, 115 and
Link 117 with internal PCMCIA address register 119, control register 121 and data register 123. PCMCIA connector 117 is reserved for DSP module input, while PCMCIA connectors 113 and 115 are general purpose expansion slots. Access to the device can be made software transparent by including I / O, memory and address mapping logic in the super I / O chip 45 in the PC. If the super I / O chip confines I / O or memory access to a pre-programmed range, the super I / O chip can be
Connector 113,115 or 1 of 117 (if DSP)
Command data access to the appropriate PCMCIA device plugged in.

CODEC Interface 125 This interface is connected to the CODEC circuit 26, which is an analog multiplexer (MU).
X) performs a digital conversion on the analog signals from the components of the telephone audio system channelized through 129 and vice versa. The telephone audio system includes a handset 29 with a microphone 31 and a speaker 30, a speakerphone 32 with a microphone 33 and a speaker 34, and an optional satellite speaker / amplifier 35. Selective analog sound line 58 enables multimedia expansion, while selectable analog fax line 59 allows the use of standard standalone analog type fax machines. ASI
The analog MUX controller 127 on the C bus controls the activity of the analog MUX 129 and provides a low pass filter for the output from the speaker 34. A low pass filter is used when the built-in speaker is used as a woofer, along with an optional satellite speaker. Although a speakerphone is included as part of this embodiment, the speakerphone is not essential to the operation of the smartphone. In a simple variant, the phone sound is
It may consist of one speaker-microphone pair in the handset.

LCD Display Interface 131 This interface to the optional liquid crystal display 28 on the smartphone provides a means to visually monitor incoming calls.

Keypad Interface 133 An interface with a telephone keypad controller 27 provides a DTMF keypad 53 for smartphones.
Means for responding to input from and the function button 61. If the smartphone handset 29 is used, the signal is sent to the keypad interface 133. The keypad interface 133 also controls the LED light source 63 on the smartphone keypad panel.

FIG. 8 is a table of I / O pin counts for one embodiment of a smartphone. In different embodiments, the number of pins will of course vary.

In summary, the smartphone 13 as described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 8 has the following features.

* Direct PC access to any smartphone via the high speed serial RS-485 line with a selective plug-in special interface with a modified Super I / O chip. * A PBX equipped with a digital type fax machine and a modem that communicates with a smartphone through ISDN by a multi-protocol controller. * Modular coupling outlet on smartphone with PCMCIA slot for DSP upgrades and multimedia expansions. * Multi-protocol communication controller and PCMCIA
Software transparent data communication between smartphone components such as I / O and memory. * Support for synchronous data link control (SDLC) and asynchronous. * High quality analog sound input for speakerphone and mixing for speakerphone. * Standard analog phone input ports, such as fax and modem. * Flash ROM reprogrammable from PC. * Phase Locked Loop (PLL) support in ASIC.

The smart phone 13 as described in FIGS. 3 to 8 is composed of various levels of functions that are adjusted to the purchaser's budget and needs. A cheap and basic smartphone model may only have a microprocessor that is internal or external to the ASIC. Fax / data ISDN line to PBX, P
In addition to the C interface and speakerphone, basic smartphone functions include business audio (for tape recording), voicemail (with DTMF detection), data compression and decompression, and data encryption. Cheap and affordable DS, currently available from Zilog and Motorola to add
The P-chip allows for easy expansion as needed. The DSP can reside on a removable PCMCIA card that plugs into a designated slot on the smartphone.

The upgraded smartphone model includes fax transmission / reception capability, V. 32b
An is data transmission mode may be added, which requires a microprocessor and a high quality DSP chip such as is currently available from AT & T, ADI or TI. The top-priced smartphone products may offer all the above features plus multimedia I / O supported by stereo 16-bit digital / analog and analog / digital conversion.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a smartphone 137 according to another embodiment. Here, in addition to the functions described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 8, an ultra-small personal portable information device (μPDA) is provided. A special handheld computer device 139, known to the inventor as), can be connected to a standard PCMCIA pin connector in a smartphone via a mating outlet 141. Such μPDA 139 is shown bound in FIG.

A typical μPDA user will have access to specific software applications such as travel files with spreadsheets and currency converters, fax programs, time zone clocks, address and phone number records, and the like. You are the business traveler that you request.

A typical μPDA 139 is approximately credit card size and is modeled in the standard PCMCIA Type II form. The μPDA 139 includes a CPU, a non-volatile memory that stores control routines for applications and data files, and a display device covered with a touch-sensitive screen 143.

Physical window in smartphone housing
147 allows the touch sensitive screen 143 to be used while the μPDA is attached. In this way, the user uses the executable control routines stored on the μPDA to control the phone system and all functions of the smartphone. For example, a user can access a work or personal contact list and select one, and a simple command can be called. This also includes generating all dialing sequences and billing card numbers.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 9 is an example of a smartphone configuration capable of accommodating a μPDA.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a cordless smartphone 149 with a replaceable DSP module 151 according to another embodiment of the present invention. The cordless smartphone 149 has essentially the same functions as the previously described embodiments and can perform the same functions as described for the corded smartphone 13 of FIGS. 3-8. Further, the user of the cordless smartphone 149 is free to move around the room while using the device. In the cordless embodiment, a transceiver sends and receives wireless signals to and from the local PBX 153 through a small antenna inside the smartphone device.

The telephone-PBX communication in the example of FIG.
It is done through a personal communication system (PCS) with a cordless telephone interface 155 such as the well known standard CT2. PBX 153 is a selective fax 157
And have a printer 159 connection. file server
The 161 is connected to the PC 163 via a logical link passing through the PBX. For example, the user may dial the number to dial P
Select on C and PBX dials the number on the smartphone. One or more enhanced features on a PCMCIA card that includes a selective DSP module
It is plugged into a PCMCIA coupling outlet located in the base or other suitable location on the cordless smartphone device.

Similar to the corded smart phone embodiments of FIGS. 3-8, one or more embedded or independent mechanically attached devices may be provided to accommodate future PCMCIA card expansion requirements. The additional coupling outlet of can be easily added to the cordless smartphone 149. Alternatively, a coupling outlet 141 for the μPDA device 139 may be provided, as described for the alternative embodiment of FIG.

Description of Microminiature Personal Portable Information Equipment Various embodiments of the μPDA device are described below in various forms. These may be combined with smartphones such as those described above to provide DSP capabilities and provide additional functionality to such smartphones.

FIG. 11A is a perspective view of a μPDA 1010 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the device is modeled in the PCMCIA standard Type II form factor and has a height D1 of about 5 millimeters. The body 1012, described in more detail below, engages the mating male part of the connector in the host computer,
It has a female portion 1014 of the connector which is recessed at one end for directly connecting the PDA internal circuit to the host internal bus. The host device may be a notebook computer having a coupling outlet for μPDA. The coupling outlet may be provided on a desktop or other type of computer, and may be provided on other types of digital devices, some examples of which are described below.

Referring to FIG. 11A, in this embodiment, there is a combination I / O interface 1016 configured on one side of the μPDA, which is an interactive control operable on the μPDA in independent mode. It includes a display device covered with a touch-sensitive planar structure that provides softkey operation with routines.

Although not shown in FIG. 11A, a guide configured along the side surface of the case of the device may be provided for guiding the module in and out of the coupling insertion port of the host computer device. One or more mechanical features may be provided to facilitate engagement and disengagement of the modules at the mating outlet.

FIG. 11B shows the μPDA of FIG. 11A.
FIG. 9A is a top plan view of a thumb wheel 1018 configured in one corner of a μPDA. The thumbwheel in this embodiment is an input device capable of providing both magnitude and directional and possibly rate characteristic inputs. The thumbwheel has many uses in combination with the μPDA and I / O interface 1016. One such usage is the controlled scrolling of icons, letters, menus, etc. on the display of the device. The thumbwheel provides many of the functions of a pointer device.

In this embodiment of the μPDA, a second external connector section 1020 is provided. This connector part
It is for engaging peripheral devices as part of the expansion bus interface.

FIG. 12 is a simplified cross-sectional view of means for constructing a μPDA according to the present invention in a Type II PCMCIA or other relatively small package. IC
1034 is confined within the conformal protective material 1036 and the interconnections are accomplished by lines on the flexible polymer film 1032 shown to cover the internal encapsulation structure. In this structure, the IC is not packaged in the usual way with solder leads for assembly on a printed circuit board. Rather, the connection is made directly between the solder pad on the chip and the line on the Kapton film.
Further, there is no intention to relate the IC indicated by the element number 1034 to a specific function IC in the μPDA. This cross section only illustrates the method of assembly.

In this compact assembly, the wires for connecting to other elements such as the display 1025 and the touch sensitive screen 1027, which are separate from the internal connections for the CPU and memory, are also located on one side of the membrane 1032. is there.

The LCD display device 1025 is constructed on one side of the μPDA, and the touch-sensitive interface 27 is
It is provided so as to cover at least a part of the LCD display device. A metal case 1038 or other suitable material or combination of materials surrounds the internal components and is a Type II P
Fits the CMCIA form factor. This simple cross-sectional view illustrates the principles of some of the structures that allow the necessary parts to fit inexpensively into the required small form factors. In other embodiments, the μPDA uses Type III, rather than the internal sealing structure just described, rather using relatively conventional techniques such as PCB technology.
It consists of a PCMCIA device form factor (10 mm thick). Various other structures, form factors, and combinations are possible as well.

FIG. 13 is a simple electrical block diagram of the μPDA of FIGS. 11A, 11B and 12. The unique microcontroller 1011 functions as the CPU of the μPDA in stand-alone mode, ie when the μPDA is not coupled to the host device. When the μPDA is coupled to the host computer, the microcontroller 1011 acts as a slave device that gives the host CPU CPU control. In combined mode, therefore, the host CPU often gains control of the memory contents of the μPDA, subject to the security processing procedures described below. Thus, the host computer can transfer data and software to and from the combined μPDA memory. In other embodiments, many other modes of joint operation are achieved between two CPUs and accessible memory devices.

Memory 1013 is preferably a 1-2 megabyte non-volatile element in this embodiment, and both the control routines for the application and the data file are stored in this memory. The memory 1013 is a ROM
Flash memory, CMOS, with software stored therein and data stored in flash memory
A ROM, a CMOS RAM provided with a battery, or a combination thereof may be used. Memory device has a dedicated bus structure 1017
Interface to the microcontroller 1011 via a memory bus 10
It is configured to drive 17.

Battery 1015 is the power source in stand-alone mode and is recharged in one or more of several ways.
Power lines are not shown in FIG. 13, but extend to all powered devices in the μPDA module. A host power supply may be connected to the pin via the host interface to recharge the battery when the device is coupled to the host. Alternatively, additional means such as a solar panel may be provided to charge the battery and / or power the μPDA.
Solar panels for power are described elsewhere in this disclosure. Also, the battery can be easily removed for periodic replacement.

Host bus connector 1014 is part of a host interface that includes a bus structure 1026 that provides a connection with a host in coupled mode, as previously described. In the preferred embodiment, the host interface is a PC
According to the MCIA Type II Third Modified Standard, it is possible to communicate in a PCMCIA mode or a mode similar to PCI mode. PCI mode is related to the high speed intermediate bus protocol developed by Intel Corporation and is expected to become the industry standard bus architecture and protocol. In this embodiment, the physical interface at the host is a slot-like mating spigot, similar to typical known mating spigots for PCMCIA devices. The coupling receptacle may be configured as a coupling box for an embedded device such as a floppy drive or may take some other form.

The connector section 1020 is a part of the expansion bus interface described above, and is a microcontroller
It includes a dedicated bus structure 1040 connected to 1011. This interface can be configured in a number of different ways. The purpose of the optional expansion bus interface is to connect optional peripherals such as printers, fax modems, host cellular phones, and others. In the minimum embodiment of the invention, the expansion bus interface is not an essential component, but in many embodiments provides greatly expanded functionality.

The extension interface can take any of several forms. The preferred form is an enhanced enhanced parallel port and protocol in accordance with the invention by the present inventor as disclosed in the pending patent application. Another form is an indexed I / O port with 8-bit address and 8-bit data capability.
The requirement for an expansion port is that the connection and communication protocol be compatible with expansion devices such as telephone modems, fax modems, scanners and the like. Many other forms are possible.

Optional devices, such as those listed in box 1019, for use with the μPDA may be connected via the expansion bus. Selections of such devices may be incorporated into μPDAs in various embodiments to provide various applications. In the former case, the connection passes through the path 1021 and the expansion bus interface via the connector unit 1020. If incorporated, the connection is the μPDA interconnect as shown by path 1023.

I / O interface 1016 (see FIG. 11)
(B)) is for looking at the μPDA application related data and performing touch-sensitive input via the soft key. The various functions of the software allow the softkeys to act as input keys by making meaningful assignments of softkeys to specific touch-sensitive screen areas. The label on the I / O interface 1016 is
Different modes of operation according to installed machine control routines identify the function of the touch sensitive area. The LCD display device 1025 and the touch sensitive area 1027 together form the combination I / O interface 1016 previously described.

In some embodiments of the present invention, data and program security is provided in electrically erasable programmable programmable read only memory (EEPROM) 1031 which is provided by a dedicated communication line. It is connected to the microcontroller 1011. To provide security against information transfer between the host and the μPDA,
EEPROM 1031 holds one or more codes installed at the time of manufacture. Each μPDA may be independently configured since its purpose is to control access by the host to the memory contents of the μPDA. To accomplish this, the join and bus master machine control routines are invoked at the time of the join. This security process is described in further detail below. In other embodiments, the security code may be provided by a read-only memory (ROM) chip or other permanent or semi-permanent memory information source.

FIG. 14 shows a μPD similar to FIG.
FIG. 3 is a plan view of A, showing a specific I / O interface 1016.
Is shown. The size and location of I / O interface 1016 may vary, but will generally occupy a major portion of one side of the module. In one embodiment, I / O
Interface 1016 displays 32x12 characters,
It includes an LCD display device having a resolution of 256 × 144 pixels in display screen size. In this embodiment, each character is displayed in an area that is 8 pixels wide and 12 pixels high. In another embodiment, the pixel resolution is 32.
It is 0x200, which corresponds to 40x16 characters.

The touch-sensitive area of the touch-sensitive screen corresponds to the character area of the display device. By touching the area with a finger or a stylus, data can be input extremely quickly with minimum CPU dependence.

In one respect, the thumbwheel 1018 provides a bidirectional means for controlling the configuration of the display device according to the control routines installed. menu
1070 represents the current status of any application in progress and is configured in one aspect to provide the appropriate user menu selection. In the preferred embodiment, the input from the thumbwheel 1018 is the menu 10
Used to scroll 70, the active area may be indicated by a cursor. The user makes a menu selection by pressing the appropriate touch sensitive area. Specific inputs may be provided to display the menu area on either side of the display device according to the user's preference.

In this embodiment, a specific character is a region 1074.
, And each character area is associated with a touch-sensitive input area. The area 1070 dedicated to selectable characters is too small to display all the characters of a standard keyboard, so the input from the thumbwheel 1018 will occupy area 1074 displaying the entire virtual standard keyboard. To be able to bread. Thumbwheel 1018 in one direction
Movement of the pans the text area horizontally, and movement of the wheel 1018 in the other direction pans the text area vertically. If the end is reached, the window will pan the virtual keyboard from the other end. In this way, the entire standard keyboard is displayed and the user can quickly pan the character window for selection with a finger or stylus. Of course, it is not required to lay out the virtual keyboard in the standard keyboard format for access. Characters and punctuation marks may simply be displayed in a single strip along the area of the display device and scrolled by input from a thumbwheel or other pointer type input device.

In this embodiment, to avoid delays caused by panning, if the thumbwheel is rotated quickly, the character window is jumped rather than scrolled to speed up the interface. In addition, a single font is desirable to minimize memory dependence, but menu 1070
Character displays may be selectively provided in different fonts and sizes. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that there are many alternatives to character selection and display, and thumbwheel 1018 can be configured in many ways to allow scrolling and panning.

In this embodiment, the document window 1072
Are provided above or below the I / O interface 1016. For editing, the cursor positions the active position in the document. Menu 1070 provides a selection of available fonts and input by thumbwheel 1018 controls cursor movement on the document. In most cases, the text is much longer than the display capacity of area 1072, so you need to pan the document window in essentially the same way you pan the keyboard window. For example,
Rotating thumbwheel 1018 in one direction displays a horizontal swath of the sentence, while rotating the thumbwheel in the opposite direction causes the window to move the swath of the same sentence vertically.

Soft keys or optional hard keys may be configured to switch between documents and keyboard windows, scroll left or right, up or down, switch between documents or keyboard. As such, the same or other keys may be configured. Switch keys may be used to change the operating mode of the thumbwheel. Switch keys may be used in combination with the float pointer to select characters and menu items. In this embodiment, the user is able to make all possible choices while keeping their hands relatively stationary on the thumbwheel and switch keys. Using switchkeys in combination with a float pointer facilitates the use of small fonts. A switch key may be incorporated as an additional hard key at a convenient location on the case 1012.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that there are numerous ways to combine menu selection, switch keys, and I / O structures to provide a user friendly user interface. Yet another embodiment of the present invention provides an I / O configuration application that allows the user to completely customize the display characteristics of the I / O area.

As an alternative to the disclosed thumbwheel, there are other different types of mechanical interfaces for providing pointer-shaped input in different embodiments of the invention. One is a 4-way pressure sensitive mouse button and a select button, which may be located at opposite ends of the case 1012 under the I / O interface 1016. Each button is designed to be operated with one finger. The 4-way pressure sensitive mouse button can provide cursor menu scrolling, as well as keyboard and document window panning and / or indexing. On the other hand, the select button can be used to select and edit according to the position of the cursor. This configuration minimizes hand movement and keeps the I / O area clear so that it is visible.

Configurations such as thumbwheels, pressure sensitive switches and buttons are known in the art, including converting mechanical movement and pressure into electrical signals and providing such signals to a microcontroller. ing. For this reason, details of such an interface are not provided in this disclosure. However, such an input combination having a display and an input area can be considered inventive.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a μPDA 1010 in a situation in which it is coupled to a notebook computer 1172 via a Type II PCMCIA coupling port 1105 according to an embodiment of the present invention. Once the μPDA is bound, it manages the communication and verifies that the memory access rights are correct, as further explained below (security).
Therefore, the host computer starts the μPDA and starts the processing procedure.

The inventor believes that access rights are important for a number of reasons. First, each μPDA
Through one or more specific code means that are unique to the user, the user may protect files stored in his module from access by unauthorized persons. The code can be used to control access to both data and files through the I / O interface 1016 and through the host bus interface, so data and files are not authorized to the host. Safe to access by the system.

In the former case, the application routine can query the user for the access code to be input to the I / O interface 1016 (FIG. 14) when the μPDA is powered on. If the code is not entered properly, access is denied and power is cut off. The code for this purpose is EEPRO
It may be stored in M1031 (FIG. 13) or in any ROM device used for this purpose. In some embodiments, the code is mask programmed at the time of manufacture and cannot be changed. In other embodiments, the code can be accessed and modified on-site by specific procedures.

In the case of host communication, a portable or desktop computer or some other device may have a coupling port physically configured to accept a μPDA, but configured to communicate with a μPDA. It is possible that it has not been done. This is definitely
This is the case where the μPDA has a PCMCIA shape. For purposes of disclosure and description, this specification calls such a device a general host. If the device is configured to communicate with the μPDA, then the device is an enable host. A host is a dedicated host if the host is configured for full access to a particular μPDA.

If the coupling device is a general host, no communication will occur unless the person presenting the μPDA provides a control routine to the host. This is done for a general host, such as by transferring from a floppy disk or from another memory card via a bond port, and in some embodiments, can be transferred to the host to further facilitate communication. ΜPDA combined with certain communication software
Memory 1013 (FIG. 13).

If the coupling device is in fact an enable host, or is configured to be an enable host after coupling, the EEPROM 1031 (or other A storage code in a storage device) may be used. In one embodiment, this procedure is in the following order: That is, first, when the μPDA is coupled to the mating coupling port, certain pin connections carry signals to both the μPDA microcontroller and the host CPU to which the module is coupled. Assuming an enable host, the fact of binding initiates the initialization protocol on both systems.

In most embodiments, if the coupling device is not the host, ie, unable to communicate with the coupled module, then nothing happens and the user simply retrieves the coupled module. If the computer is an enable host, μPDA
An application is initiated to form a host's access to the μPDA's data files via the microcontroller. A user interface, described more fully below for particular embodiments, is displayed on the host monitor 1104 (FIG. 15). As with other application menus, the host interface menu may be partially formatted as a display of the I / O interface 1016 of the μPDA, as seen in FIG. 14 and described in the accompanying text. . In some embodiments, by manipulating the input area of the μPDA displayed on the host display screen,
The bound μPDA can be manipulated in situ.

If the host is not the home device of the bound module, ie, the host does not have a built-in ID code that matches that stored in the bound module, the visitor protocol is initiated. In this case, a visitor menu is displayed on the host display device 1104 for further entry, such as a password question, to select a restricted data access area in the combined module. In this case, the user may also gain full access to the memory registers of the coupled module by entering the appropriate password.

If the host is a fully conforming host home device, full access is immediately granted to the host so that the host can access the memory contents including the program area of the associated module. Then both data and programs are exchanged.

In any case, if the μPDA is removed from or removed from the coupling port, the on-board modular microcontroller will have an internal μPDA.
Gain full control of the bus structure again.

FIG. 16 is a simplified block diagram of a μPDA coupled to a host computer, and FIG. 17 is a basic logic of steps including coupling a μPDA to a host computer 1066 according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart. The host computer 1066 is displayed in the most general form and comprises a host CPU 1024, an input device 1060 such as a keyboard, a mass storage device 1028 such as a hard disk drive, and a system RAM 1062. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that many hosts have more complex architectures, and the architecture shown is for illustration purposes.

When the μPDA device is mated, the connector 1014 'of FIG. 16 has a portion 1014 shown in FIGS. 11B and 13 and a portion 1014 at port 1105 (FIG. 15).
14 and a mating connector portion for engaging. Engagement of another portion of the connector creates a direct connection between the μPDA bus 1026 and the host bus 1026 ′. Then, a direct bus path exists between the microcontroller 1011 and the host CPU 1024 (see FIG. 1).
6).

As previously described, there is a pin configuration (not shown) on the connector 1014 dedicated to signaling that the modules are coupled. In FIG. 17, step 1042 represents the insertion of the μPDA module into the coupling port. In step 1044, the signaling pin configuration means that physical coupling has been achieved. In step 1046, the host interface bus including the coupled host bus 1026 'in the host.
1026 is activated.

In step 1048 (FIG. 17), the microcontroller 1011 in the μPDA initiates the pre-programmed POST processing procedure. The microcontroller 1011 in this embodiment has a page of RAM 1068 configured on the microcontroller chip. In other embodiments, RAM may be used in other locations.
In step 1050, the POST routine loads the bootstrap program into RAM 1068, which contains the security verification code. This code contains, for example, a serial number.

In step 1054, the bootstrap program begins execution in the microcontroller 1011, and in step 1056, the microcontroller looks up the password on the host interface bus 1026 from the host (FIG. 16).

Assuming an enable host or a dedicated host, the fact of binding also results in a communication routine, which may be displayed, for example, in a user interface on the monitor screen 1104 of the host device, as partially explained above. Access from the mass storage device 1028 of the host. To make a general host an enable host,
This is a communication program.

Assuming an enable host, but not a dedicated host, the user interface queries the user to enter one or more passwords.
After you have successfully entered that password, EEPRO will appear during the bootstrap of the serial number and possibly the μPDA.
The host sends input to the microcontroller 1011 for comparison with other code accessed from M1031.

In accordance with the code sent from the host to the coupling module, the microcontroller 1011
Function 1052, the memory 1031 for the host CPU
Function 1058, allowing some level of limited access, as defined by the received code (or code that does not match at all), at function 1058.

The access protocols and procedures that allow partial or direct access to the μPDA memory 1013 are relatively well known in the art, such as bus master technology, and will not be described in detail here. No need to reproduce. In addition to a simple code comparison, there are other techniques that can be incorporated to improve the security integrity of the communication between the μPDA and the host. For example, E
Within the limits of the storage capabilities of EPROMs and other non-volatile sources, executable code, code keys used with executable code from other sources, and relatively easy to relocate memory locations. Since maps and the like are also uploaded to the on-board RAM 1068, each μPDA is a truly unique device.

As part of the communication routine introduced above,
There is an additional unique feature provided in one aspect of the invention. One such feature is the automatic update and cross-reference processing of current and new files in both computers under the control of the host system with direct bus access to all memory systems. Is. Automatic update processing includes automatic update processing based only on clock identification characteristics, flagging of new files before transfer, and both old and new versions of files before discarding old ones for new ones. There are various options, such as an editorial means that allows the user to review. The automatic or semi-automatic updating of this file between the satellite and the host addresses the long standing problem. The update processing routine is
Backup may be included as an option to preserve the old files.

Another useful feature in host / μPDA communication is to download to the μPDA to replace or complement an already existing executable routine.
It is a means for allowing a user to select a group of executable program files and configure a mixture of them.
Users can have a variety of different program listings for downloading as batch files that make up the convenient scope of μPDA across a wide variety of expected work environments.

Databases, spreadsheets, documents,
Applications such as travel files such as currency exchange, faxing and other communication programs, time clocks, address and phone records, etc. constitute a customized list of user preferred applications.

In another embodiment, the unbound μP
The DA can transfer data directly to the host via the optional expansion bus 1040 (FIG. 13). In special cases, such as μPDA users who do not have access to the PCMCIA interface on their own host (notebook or desktop) computer, the host can go through an auxiliary port on the host, such as a serial port, through the expansion bus interface Can be connected to. Even in this case, the μPDA requests a password from the host and controls access to its on-board memory according to the received password.

While the μPDA is being dominated by the host, a selective expansion interface may be used in some embodiments, where the host efficiently sends data through the bus structure of the μPDA.

Software Vending Machine : In another aspect of the present invention, a software vending machine having a very large electronic storage capacity is provided in which a μPDA user can combine modules, Software routines compatible with the μPDA environment can be purchased and downloaded.

FIG. 18 shows a coupling insertion port 106 for μPDA.
3, credit card slot 1065, banknote slot 1067
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of such a vending machine 1061 having The display device 1069 provides a user interface for reviewing software and purchasing from a vending machine, along with selection buttons such as buttons 1071 along the sides of the display device. In another embodiment, the display device may have a touch screen and in some embodiments may emulate the μPDAI / O region on a larger scale.

In operation, in this embodiment, the user reviews software for sale and simply
All you have to do is connect the device A to the vending machine and select from the menu on the display device 1069. The menu allows the user to browse through all available purchaseable applications,
You can list new applications with previously entered data. The user can select certain applications, try them out at least in a simulation, and then select the applications to purchase.

Once all requirements such as proper application identification and payment have been met, the vending machine
Copy the selected application to the μPDA's memory or to a floppy disk provided by the user or vending machine. In this case, there is also a floppy disk drive 1073 in the vending machine and a port 1075 that sells the formatted floppy to the customer for use in the disk drive. This mode is useful if the user's μPDA is loaded beyond the capacity to receive the desired software, or if the user simply wants to mix the software himself with his host computer.

A backup is provided so that the user can instruct the vending machine to read and copy all or selected own files to one or more floppy disks before installing new files or data. You may provide options.

As described above, each user's μPDA can be assigned a μPDA by serial number or other code.
In this embodiment, the vending machine can be configured to provide software in one of several modes, as it includes an EEPROM or other storage device that uniquely identifies the.

The user can purchase a demo copy of the application at very little cost. This demo copy does not provide the full power of the application, but it does give the user the opportunity to test and become familiar with the application before purchasing. In addition, a version of the same application that is compatible with the ID key of the loaded μPDA and can operate only on that μPDA
It can also be purchased by the user. In other embodiments, the software can be transferred between a group of keyed μPDAs, or the ability to "open" a limited number of times. In these cases, the application is sold cheaper than the open key version. The open key version is
Runs on any μPDA and / or host / μPDA system. The higher price for the open key version compensates for potential sharing of sold applications by unauthorized parties.

The vending machine may also provide a keyed version customized to operate only on the μPDA coupled to the software vending machine or on a group of μPDAs. Due to the independent and unique nature of each μPDA, this keyed version is possible, this μPDA has at least a unique serial number,
It may have other security programming as already described. This allows the vending machine to prepare and download a customized copy of the application that will only run on the particular module where the application was sold.

As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, there are many different means by which these unique things can be done. The standard version stored in the memory facility of the vending machine can be re-edited during the download process, for example using the unique code from the combined or identified μPDA as a key in the edit, By using the same unique key to order the instructions while doing so, only a particular μPDA can execute the program. The keys for scrambling or customizing the application may include other code and / or executable code sequences uniquely stored in the μPDA.

Yet another aspect related to vending machines is a printer output port 1077 for printing hard copy manuals for users. Of course, it is not necessary that the software sold be specific to the μPDA. The application may be sold to other types of machines, put in the memory of the μPDA,
Alternatively, it may be carried by a floppy disk or the like. In this embodiment, even non-μPDA users can obtain a wide variety of software assortments.

The software vending machine also functions as a selective information display center at locations such as airports, station buildings, convention centers, and hotels. When the μPDA is inserted, the user directly interfaces with, but is not limited to, regional, national and global news; stock quotes and financial reports; weather; transportation schedules; road maps. You can upload current information including; language translations; currency exchange applications; emails and other direct online services.

Customized vending machines are tailored to business travelers, allowing quick access to appropriate information and allowing users to download files for sending via email. . In another aspect of the invention, the vending machines are linked to each other to allow the user to message a companion traveling to the location of the associated vending machine. Such a dedicated μPDA email is immediately downloaded to the particular μPDA when the particular μPDA is bound. The sender has a unique encoding key of his fellow μPDA as an identifying indicator, or some other dedicated identifying means for email.

In another embodiment, as each colleague arrives at the airfield, through their infrared interface (not shown) that is selectively installed on their μPDA, they are in their position. Stimulates vending machines. Custom vending machines are also equipped for infrared communication to receive signals and send or receive any pending messages.

Expanded Display Device : FIG. 19 is a plan view of an expanded I / O interface device 1079 according to aspects of the present invention. The interface device 1079, having a diagonal length of about 5 inches, includes a combination LCD display device that is at least partially covered by a touch-sensitive input screen and I / O in a manner very similar to that in a μPDA.
O area 1080 is provided. 4 coupling outlets 1081,1
In this embodiment, 083, 1085 and 1087 are provided at the left and right ends of the interface device 1079, and
Configured for IA type II modules. One of these outlets is used for binding the μPDA according to the invention, the other three are functional PCs.
Combining MCIA modules provides peripherals such as larger CPUs, additional memory, battery power supplies, modems and the like.

The interface device 1079 is the framework for assembling a specialized computer through a combined PCMCIA device containing a μPDA according to the present invention. In other embodiments where the μPDA takes other form factors,
The coupling outlet is adapted accordingly.

The bound μPDA in this embodiment is I
The I / O area 1080 is configured to generate the I / O display. The thumbwheel on the μPDA is accessible when coupled, in which case it works as described above in independent mode. In another aspect, the enhanced display device has a reconfigured output, the reconfigured output being the touch screen alone and / or additional hardware select buttons, and / or a dedicated bus port or combined μPDA. The user can operate data from a standard keyboard connected to the extended display device through the extended port of the. In another embodiment, the extended display device is
It has a dedicated mouse port and / or a dedicated thumbwheel.

In yet another embodiment, the interface device 1079 comprises a cheap and replaceable regular battery and / or rechargeable battery. In yet another aspect, the interface device 1079 couples two or more independent μPDAs together according to a control routine capable of manipulating mutually open files.
Data files can be cross-referenced between PDAs. Furthermore, the interface device 1079 is arranged and structurally supported for easy viewing on a dedicated standard or miniaturized keyboard and is connected to the keyboard as an input device. Then, the keyboard automatically functions as an input device.

Interface device 1079 for μPDA
Is a portable computer that is small enough to fit in a pocket book or briefcase and compact enough to be very portable, but very powerful.

Microphone / Voice Note : FIG. 20
Is a μPDA 11 equipped with an I / O interface 1116, an expansion port 1120, and a host interface connector 1114.
It is a top view of 10. The μPDA 1110 has all the features previously described plus an additional microphone 1088.
In this embodiment, the control routine in the μPDA uses a linear predictive coding (LPC) method to convert the analog input from the microphone into a digital voice recording. This method uses minimal memory but can reproduce human voice-like audio input within recognizable limits.

In another embodiment, a two-step integrator is used to separate the analog signals and synthesize a more faithful digital reproduction for better quality audio recording.

The thus configured μPDA allows a user's voice note to be recorded and later uploaded to the host for processing. In a future-proof embodiment, the digital signal is converted to text,
Or sent as voicemail over the network. In yet another embodiment, a microphone is integrated with the speaker for editing.

Cellular Phone Interface : FIG.
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a μPDA 1010 coupled to a dedicated cellular telephone 1045 according to an embodiment of the invention. Telephone 1045 is equipped with a coupling port 1049 for a μPDA according to the invention. In this embodiment, the port 1049 is on one side of the phone 1045 and there is a window 1051 for accessing the I / O interface 1016 of the μPDA after bonding. The combined μPDA makes all the software and memory of the μPDA available to the phone, and the user can operate the phone via the I / O interface 1016.

In this aspect of the invention, unique control routines and display configurations are provided to extend the use of the cellular telephone. For example, a collection of users such as phone numbers, associated credit card numbers, access codes, etc. are all readily available for quick and convenient access and use. In one aspect, a simple input device displays alphabetic characters for selection, and once the character is selected, a partial list of parties that may be called is displayed. The list can be scrolled by touching the input device or by using the μPDA thumbwheel, and the highlighted entry can be selected. No phone number is required to be displayed.

Once the person to be called has been selected, the μPDA dials for the call, including the necessary credit card information stored in the μPDA's memory for this purpose.

In another embodiment, the call is timed and time stamped and a comprehensive record is recorded along with the area for notes during and after the call.

In another embodiment, conversations are recorded digitally and filed for later processing. Future-proof embodiments include a voice compression program within the host or cellular telephone 1045. For example, a compressed voice file, such as a message to be distributed to a voicemail system, is downloaded to a μPDA or delivered to a larger memory format inside a cellular phone. After that, the μPDA is connected to the host or connector unit 10
The files are sent at 20 via a dedicated modem attached to the optional expansion bus 1040 (FIG. 16).

In this particular embodiment, the cellular telephone is
It has a bus port for digital transmission. in this case,
A compression algorithm is also established at the receiving end of the transmission, along with voice system control routines, to decompress the signal and distribute the individual messages.

In another embodiment, voice messages are sent in wireless form in uncompressed digital composite form from a cellular telephone, and they are either automatically or manually in each individual voicemail system before each individual message. It is distributed semi-automatically to the dedicated receiving host by stimulating the target. In another aspect of wireless transmission, a microphone / voice note μPDA such as that of FIG. 20 sends a previously stored voice note after being coupled to a cellular telephone interface.

In Europe and Asia, the telephone system is CT2.
Known as, operating in a digital standard, a person who has a conforming cellular phone can enter the station by simply entering it within the substation's activity area. Includes local substations that can be accessed. In one aspect of the invention, the CT2 telephone has a
A coupling outlet for the PDA is provided and is configured to work with the μPDA. In yet another aspect of the invention, in a CT2 telephone system applicable to other digital telephone systems, compression as disclosed above for digitally compressing a message prior to transmission on the CT2 telephone system. A utility is provided.

It is roughly estimated that dedicated compression algorithms can compress 10 minutes of voice messages to 1 minute using current CT2 technology. This saves a considerable amount of telephone usage charges. From this point of view, a matching decompression facility is required at the receiving station, and is preferably incorporated into CT2 or other standard μPDA voicemail system for digital transmission.

In another embodiment, a control routine is provided to allow a microphone / voice note μPDA as shown in FIG. 20 to carry a compressed or decompressed digital voice note. CT2 compatible μ
When coupled to a PDA cellular phone, the μPDA in this embodiment can send digital voice notes in compressed form.

Speaker / Pager : FIG. 22 illustrates a μP with microphone / speaker area 1090 and pager interface 1092 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
It is a top view of DA1210. This μPDA has the ability to function as a standard pager, picking up the pager signal with the installed pager interface 1092 and microphone / speaker 1090.
To alert the user through. Once the signal is received, the µPDA 1210 can be coupled to a conforming cellular telephone as shown in Figure 21, which automatically dials the caller's telephone number. All other aspects are the same as those described for the combined mode of cellular phones.

In another embodiment, the speaker / pager μPDA can be stimulated to generate DTMF tones. DTMF tones are generated from the caller's telephone number.

The speaker / pager μPDA can store pager requests in its onboard memory. The speaker / pager μPDA can display to the I / O interface 1216 all pager requests, including time and date stamps, caller identification, if known, and other relevant information. In this particular embodiment, the user can receive the page and respond immediately with a digital voice note on the μPDA through the speaker / microphone 1090 and then send the response from a dedicated μPDA compatible cellular phone or a regular phone. .

Wireless infrared interface : FIG.
An IR interface according to an embodiment of the present invention
FIG. 10 is a plan view of a μPDA 1310 with 1094. In this embodiment, the μPDA can communicate with an array of conventional appliances at home or office for remote control. The unique signal to the instrument is programmed into the μPDA in learn / receive mode and filed under the protection of the user password. Once the correct password is entered, the icon display menu is displayed in the I / O area 1316 in a user friendly format. The master routine first queries the user as to which device to access. For example, in residential applications, icons are displayed for things like overhead garage doors, security systems, automatic gates, VCRs, televisions, and stereos.

In another aspect of the invention, a receiving station, such as a host computer or peripheral interface, has IR capability to communicate direct data from a nearby μPDA with an infrared interface. In another embodiment, the μPDA interfaces with the cellular network and functions as a wireless modem.

Peripherals μPDA functions as a platform for various peripheral attachments through expansion port 1020 (see FIG. 11).
(B) and other figures). When attached to a peripheral device, a dedicated pin in expansion port 1020 signals the microcontroller 1011 to execute the peripheral bootstrap application. After that, peripherals or μPDA
After the interface processing control routine existing in the memory of the μPDA is executed and the link processing is completed,
The O interface displays the associated menu driven choices.

Scanner : FIG. 24 illustrates a μPDA 10 with scanner attachment 1055, according to an embodiment of the invention.
It is a top view of 10. The scanner accessory is attached to the μPDA and is electrically connected through the expansion port 1020.
In this embodiment, in order to securely attach to the μPDA,
The physical interface of the scanner is formed. Scanner adjunct 1055 includes a roller wheel 1057 and other conversion sensors that interface with the wheels 1018 of the μPDA and in operation perform conversion sensing processing for the resulting handheld scanner. In another aspect, the scanner ancillary device 1055 comprises a converter that sends the appropriate signals through the expansion port 1020. The scanner bar is on the underside and is equipped with one or more batteries 1059 in the scanner ancillary device to provide the extra power required to generate light.

In view of the scanner of the present invention, a scanner accessory 1055 of different width D2 is provided for different purposes. The bars are no wider than the μPDA or are 8 inches or wider to scan the full width of a US letter sized document or an international A4 paper document. A unique control routine displays operating information on the I / O area 1016 of the μPDA for scanning, provides a user interface to set various options such as scanner bar width, and μPDA when the scan results are sent. Provides an identification for files created in memory. μP
Scan data stored in DA memory is quickly transferred to the host through the host interface 1014 when the μPDA is coupled. A unique routine is provided to automate the process so that the user does not have to search for the file and start the entire transfer process.

Facsimile Option : FIG. 25 is a plan view of a μPDA with a fax modem module 1089 installed according to an embodiment of the invention. A fax modem 1089 interfacing to the expansion bus interface 1020 provides fax and telecommunication capabilities to the μPDA over regular telephone lines. The fax modem includes an internal circuit for converting the bus state of the extension bus into a fax protocol, and a telephone plug interface 1091. In another aspect, to provide fax processing and file transfer of both host and μPDA data files, μ
The PDA can be coupled into the host and used in combination with the fax modem 1089. In this case, the fax modem routine is displayed on the host monitor.

Printer : FIG. 26 is a plan view of a μPDA with a Centronics adapter interface according to an embodiment of the present invention. Printer connector 1093
Is engaged to expansion interface 1020 by connector 1095 through cable 1097. Conversion capacity is connector
It resides in circuitry within the 1093, which is physically configured as a Centronics connector to engage a standard port on the printer.

Bar code reader and data acquisition peripheral device
Device : FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a μPDA 1010 coupled to a bar code reader and data acquisition peripheral 1100 according to an embodiment of the invention. The μPDA 1010 is coupled to the coupling insertion port 1149. I / O interface
1016 displays information through aperture 1147 according to a specialized data acquisition application. In this particular embodiment, the peripheral device 1100 comprises an IR interface 1094, a microphone 1103, a scanner port 1101 (not shown), a battery pack 1105, a numeric keypad 1096 implemented as a touch-sensitive array.

The application routine enables the data acquisition peripheral to operate, for example, as a mobile inventory management device. The user can scan the barcode label with the scanner 1101 and input information such as the total number by voice input through the keypad 1096 or the microphone 1103. The applications of the peripheral 1100 are highly specialized, so only a limited voice recognition system is needed. The voice recognition system also stimulates other command routines within the master application.

When inventory is collected, a database is displayed and can be manipulated directly through the I / O area 1016 in the opening 1147, or the IR interface 10
Information can be quickly downloaded to nearby hosts through 94.

Instead of frequent data transmission, the peripheral device 11
Data may be stored in auxiliary optional memory locations in 00.

In another aspect, the data acquisition peripheral may be interfaced to the analog output of a monitoring device such as a strip recording device to digitize and store incoming analog signals.

Solar Battery Charger : FIG. 28 includes a solar battery charger panel 1098 according to an embodiment of the invention,
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the μPDA 1010 on the opposite side of the I / O interface. When the μPDA 1010 is in strong light such as sunlight, the solar battery charger absorbs solar energy,
The panel 1098 is arranged to convert this solar energy into electricity to recharge the battery 1015 inside the μPDA. The solar battery charger 1098 is permanently wired to the μPDA circuit or attached by other means,
Connected to a dedicated electrical port or expansion port. μPD
The solar cell charger is positioned so that A is fully coupled to the coupling port and the panel is in the correct position. In another aspect, the removable solar cell charger is unplugged prior to coupling the μPDA, after which the removable charger has a larger surface area.

Game / Conference Center : FIG. 29
Includes several μPDA devices (1037, 1039, 1041 and 10
43) is a large scale representation of a game center device 1033 in accordance with aspects of the present invention for connecting 43) together to enable competitive or interactive games by one or more μPDA users. In this particular embodiment, game center device 1033 is controlled by an 80486 CPU. Through a connector such as connector 1035, each μPD
The μPDA is connected to the center device by a cable connection via the expansion bus of A or the host interface. The drawing shows four connectors, but two or two may be used.
It may be any convenient number greater than or equal to one.

As another aspect of the present invention, the game center device may function as a conference center device in which a large number of μPDAs exchange information. In this method, for example, an administrator can manage the μs of many salesmen through an executable custom routine stored in the center device 1033.
The PDA can be updated. Updates include, but are not limited to, product databases, spreadsheets, price sheets, job assignments, customer profiles, address books, phone books, itineraries, and other relevant business information during meetings.

Standard keyboard : FIG. 30 shows the expansion port 10
Through 20 through cord and connector 1153 μPDA
11 is a perspective view of a keyboard 1151 connected to 1010. FIG. In this example, the keyboard is a full-sized standard key array,
It is a mechanical keyboard with an on-board controller, an interface for communicating with the μPDA. In other embodiments, the keyboard may take many other forms, including a two-layer flexible roll-up keyboard as taught in US Pat. No. 5,220,521.

In addition to the keyboard, other input devices, such as a writing tablet, etc.
It may interface to a PDA.

There are numerous additional ways to combine different embodiments of μPDA for useful functionality. For example, μPDA equipped with IR attached to the scanner 1055
However, large graphic files can be transferred to the host computer in almost real time. If the file is text, then through the Optical Character Read (OCR) application, the host will automatically process the file and send the significantly reduced ASCII file back to the μPDA.
As previously discussed, the μPDA family of devices has the ability to be bus-dominated by the host computer system for many applications, while establishing software security and distribution protocols.

Modular Computer Perspective : A computer with a coupling outlet may take many other forms within the scope of the invention. For example, the computer portion of the smartphone system according to the present invention may take the form of a desktop device to which the smartphone is attached (FIGS. 4, 5 and 7). The computer portion may take the form of a portable computer, such as a laptop, notebook or palmtop computer, having one or more mating outlets. In this case, the smartphone circuit (FIGS. 4 and 7) is integrated in the case of the computer and the DSP module and intelligent μPDA module are coupled to one or more coupling outlets. In another embodiment, the smartphone element may be part of a μPDA functional module that can be coupled to a computer.

The following disclosure teaches various handheld computer concepts that have coupling outlets that accept functional modules.

General of computer architecture
Description : FIG. 31A is a perspective view of a framework 2011 of a notebook computer in accordance with the present invention. Skeleton 2011
Includes a rear housing 2013, a tilt-up flat panel display device 2015 shown closed, a keyboard 2017 and a plurality of module outlets for inserting functional modules. The rear housing 2013 contains a power supply that converts a wide variety of standard electrical inputs into the form required by the computer. For example, there is a port (not shown) for connecting to a standard household outlet that is 120V, 60Hz alternating current. The power supply converts the input into an output as required by the computer bus and functional modules. DC 6V, DC 12V, DC 9V
And other input ports, the power supply of one embodiment of the present invention can identify the input characteristics by sampling and then switch to the appropriate mounted circuit to use the input.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 31A, four module outlets 2019, 2021, 2023 and
2025 is shown on one side of the skeleton. On the other side of the skeleton, opposite the module entry shown, there are four more module entries. There may be more or less module outlets, but eight are well balanced, and also have suitable multi-functionality under the demand of small and simple conditions.

FIG. 31B shows an arrow 31 in FIG.
FIG. 32 is an end view of the skeleton of the notebook computer of FIG. 31 in the B-31B direction. Each module outlet is
It has a set of guide / positioning rails like rails 2027, 2029 at outlet 2019. The rail positions and guides the functional module inserted in the module insertion slot. Each rail in the set is provided with a detent, such as detent 2031, for retaining the module when the module is fully inserted into the slot. Each outlet also includes a connector, such as connector 2033 in outlet 2019. This connector is for coupling to a combination connector on the functional module inserted in the insertion port. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that there are many equivalent ways in which guide rails, detents and connections can be achieved.

FIG. 32 is a sectional line 32-3 in FIG.
2 is a plan cross-sectional view just above the module outlet along 2; FIG. Outlets 2019, 2021, 2023, and 2025 are on one side of the cross-section, and outlets 2035, 2037, 2039
And 2041 are shown on the opposite side. The printed circuit board structure 2057 is stopped in a position substantially perpendicular to the center of the frame 2059. Connector 2033, 2043, 204
5, 2047, 2049, 2051, 2053 and 2055 are connected to the printed circuit board structure, revealing their pin structure outwardly towards their respective spouts. In the embodiment just described, the internal connector is a male connector, but this is not a requirement of the present invention.

As also shown in FIG. 31 (A), each module inlet is provided with a pair of opposed rails that are vertically positioned at approximately the midpoint of the height of the module inlet. . Rails 2027 and 2029 serve module outlet 2019, and similar rails are located at each of the other module outlets.

FIG. 33 shows the module insertion port of the skeleton 2011.
Functional module according to the invention aligned with 2025
FIG. 20 is a perspective view of 2061. Module 2061 is module 20
Rails 2067 and 20 when 61 is inserted into outlet 2025
Includes guides 2063 and 2065 on opposite sides to mate with 69. The module has guide rails 2067 and 20 when the module is fully inserted.
Two spring detent levers (lever 2073 shown) for engaging detents in 69
Have. The detent 2071 is shown on rail 2067 in FIG.

Each module outlet is equipped with a compression spring mechanism that is engaged by the functional module when the module is near full insertion, and when the detent lever engages the detent, the module has no outward force. work. Mechanism 2075 (Fig. 32) is a typical example. To insert the module, align the guides on the module with the guide rails and push the module into the module slot until the detents engage. The button 2079 on the front of the module 2077 is for retracting the detent rail of the module, in which case a spring mechanism pops the module out, as is often the case with floppy disk drives.

FIG. 34 is a perspective view of the functional module 2061, showing a rear surface 2081 opposite to the front surface 2077. The rear surface is, in the preferred embodiment, FIGS. 31B and 32.
It includes a recessed female connector socket 2083 for mating with a male connector located in each of the sheathed outlets, such as connector 2033 therein. Second
The detent lever 2074 is the opposite lever 2073 of FIG.

In the above-described embodiment, and in many other embodiments, the framework of the notebook computer of the present invention comprises a frame with the above-described module plug and connector for a "plug-in" function module, a power supply. Includes equipment, and other peripherals. The skeleton also includes a display device 2015, a keyboard 2017, and an internal bus structure later named Note Bus. Note buses are described in additional detail in the section entitled "Note Bus Structures".

33 and 34, the module
Functional modules, such as those represented by 2061, are provided in a wide variety of different types that are capable of a wide variety of different functions. For example, Skeleton 2011 is “implemented”
It has no CPU, battery power, or system memory. These features, and all other features, are provided by different models of feature modules that are inserted into any one or combination of available module outlets. Other types of functional modules that may be inserted are floppy disk drives, hard disk drives, "flash card" memory modules, L
Includes AN / modem adapters, fax modules, custom modules such as data acquisition modules tailored to specific devices, and many more. Functional modules are also described in further detail in the section below entitled "Functional Modules".

Electronic Configuration FIG. 35 is a block diagram showing the internal components of a notebook computer framework 2011, which are connected to illustrate the electronic architecture of the notebook computer in accordance with the present invention. The power input / conversion device 2085 is surrounded by the rear housing 2013 (FIG. 31A) and has a port 2087 for power input. Device 2085 senses the input condition and selects the appropriate circuit to convert the input to the voltage needed to power the other elements of the system. The output from the converter is directed to the Note Bus 2089, which contains paths for power as well as digital information such as data and addresses.

Since there is a wide variety of functional modules, as shown above and described in further detail below,
Note buses generally require one or more power lines.
For example, the notebook computer of the present invention preferably includes a hard disk drive, and these modules preferably do not have their own "on-board" power supply. Motor drives for hard disks require different power supplies (voltages and currents) than, for example, a CPU requires, so note buses have parallel power lines of different sizes and voltage levels. A typical note bus is, for example, 24 V DC, 12 V DC, as well as a plurality of ground lines.
In addition, a DC 5V line may be provided.

The note bus 2089 includes a video random access memory (VRAM) and is connected to a video display controller 2091 which powers and controls the display device 15, and in the preferred embodiment the display device 2015 is an analog bus. A flat panel display device driven by analog drive lines on 2093. The note bus 2089 also connects to a keyboard controller 2095 that powers and controls the keyboard 2017 via link 2097. The keyboard controller 2095 receives key input and
Converts its input to digital data for transmission to the 2089. The keyboard controller is physically implemented on the keyboard or on the skeleton 2011.

As shown in FIG. 35, note bus
The 2089 also connects to a respective module outlet, such as outlet 2019, via a connector such as connector 2033. When a functional module, such as module 2061, is inserted into the module outlet, the mating connector on the back of the functional module mates with the connector from the note bus, and the circuitry inside the functional module connects to the note bus. .

Note bus structure The note bus is composed of a power supply and a data path as described above. The digital line carries 32 addresses,
Data can be transmitted in a 32-bit word length. To minimize pin count and routing complexity, addresses and data are multiplexed onto a set of trace lines in the overall bus structure. Those of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that this type of bus is known in the art as a low pin count or compression bus. In this type of bus, different types of signals such as address and data signals share a signal path by multiplexing. For example, the same set of data lines is used to carry both 32-bit addresses and 32-bit data words.

In the note bus of the present invention, some control signals such as the interrupt arbitration signal also share the data line. (Excluding power supply analog line in note bus)
A typical example of a bus that can be used for a note bus is the "S" implemented by Sun Microsystems.
"Bus", "Turbo Channel" buses from Digital Equipment Corporation, and IEEE-
It is a bus compatible with the 488 standard.

The note bus is a high speed backplane bus for internally connecting the processor, memory and peripheral device modules. The notebook bus also supplies standard operating and standby power supply voltages and electrical ground to all module outlets.

Functional Modules As mentioned above, FIGS. 33 and 34 are two different views of a functional module according to the invention. Also, as mentioned above, functional modules have many different functions. In fact, there are as many different functions as there are possibilities for separate peripherals, positive power supplies and CPU modules. Individual function modules are provided for each function, and in each case the function module has a physical size and shape compatible with outlets, guide rails and connectors for "plugging" into the skeleton 2011. I have it.

The "front side" of a functional module, the front side exposed to the outside when the module is "plugged in" (see front side 2077 of FIG. 33), contains elements that specify the type of module. For example, CPU modules have no indicators or other elements on the front, while floppy disk modules typically include an opening for inserting a floppy disk and "keys" or buttons for releasing and ejecting the floppy disk.

A unique feature of the present invention is that a CPU for a notebook computer is equipped as a CPU function module. This allows the user to
With the ability to adapt U-Power to other modules and applications for notebook computers, upgrading to a more powerful CPU becomes easier.

FIG. 36 is a CPU module inserted in the insertion port of the notebook computer according to the present invention.
It is a block diagram of 2099. In this case (see FIG. 32), the module is plugged into the slot 2019 with the connector 2033. This is a typical example of how a module may be plugged into any opening in frame 2011. The internal elements of the CPU module can be plugged into the notebook bus 20 by plugging them into connector 2033 or other module connectors.
Connected to 89.

The internal elements for module 2099 are CPU21
03, a state converter 2105 and a RAM memory 2113.
CPU2103 is a wide variety of technically usable CP
Any of the Us (sometimes referred to as MPUs). For example, Intel 80386 and 80486 models, MIPS, RISC implementations, and many others. The CPU 2103 exchanges information with the state converter 2105 via the path 2107, and the state converter 2105 exchanges information with the connector 2033 and thus the note bus 2089 via the bus 2109 inside the module. When the module is plugged into bus 2089, bus 2109
It is an extension of 2089.

The state converter 2105 is a chip or a chip set designed to convert a command or request of the CPU into a command or request compatible with Note Bus. It has already been mentioned that the CPU 2103 is any one of a wide variety of CPUs and the note bus 2089 is any one of a wide variety of compression buses. For those of ordinary skill in the art, the CPU
It is clear that there is a wider variety of state converters 2105 that perform conversions between the and note buses. The state converter is a device that is theoretically different for each possible combination of CPU and note bus.

The RAM memory module 2113 consists of a normal RAM chip mounted on a PCB, as is known in the art, and has a state converter with a plug or connector interface such as an end connector. Can be connected to the 2105. RAM module as CP
The purpose of "implementation" in the U module is to provide fast memory access. This memory access is
It will be very slow if the AM is enabled in another module in one of the other module outlets. The memory at the other module outlets is on the notebook bus and is susceptible to bus contention and wait states. CPU
Due to the nature of plugging the RAM device into the module,
The amount of memory to be installed in the CPU module in the notebook computer of the present invention can be different.

As noted above, note bus 2089 comprises power and ground connections as well as shared data and address lines for modules plugged into various outlets. Therefore, paths 2109 and
2107 is composed of a power supply and a ground wire for the CPU 2103 and the converter 2105.

For example, if the CPU 2103 is an Intel 804
If it is an 86 microprocessor, the state converter 2105
Is a converter for adapting the 80486 state machine to the Notebus state machine. This note bus is a bus
Any one of the buses mentioned above for the 2089, or other compressed bus. There are many equivalent ways a converter can be implemented for a particular case. Providing the producer with available design information for the CPU and equivalent information for the bus 2089, making the required connections with the converter is normal to the art without undue experimentation. It is the technical scope of those who have knowledge. This is a conventional technique. It is unique to the invention to implement the converter on a module with a CPU for plugging into a module socket in a notebook computer.

In the present invention, the state converter has many CPUs.
And a single chipset or circuit set that allows conversion between and many different possible buses. For example, a converter is designed and configured with the necessary circuitry and information to convert between three different CPUs and three different compression buses. The state converter is programmed to select one CPU and one bus from the available choices at a convenient time in the manufacturing cycle, or even when selecting modules to configure a notebook computer. Possible hardware or software.

As an example of a hardware programmable converter, the converter is made by cutting a trace line near the final step of manufacture as a method of selecting a CPU and bus combination. The converter is programmable by the on-board EPROM or EEPROM device. As an example of software program capability, the converter can be implemented with microprocessor technology and software programs. For example, plug the CPU module into a connector on a special programming device before installing it in a notebook computer according to the invention,
Certain commands can be sent to set the implementation software for conversion between the desired CPU and bus. For those of ordinary skill in the art,
It is clear that there are many possible variants of the converter configuration.

FIG. 37 shows the power supply module 2111 plugged into the socket of a notebook computer in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The purpose of the power supply module is to provide a power source for a computer containing any module that is plugged into the module outlet. There is a battery in the framework 2011, which is technically common in notebook computers, but is typically rechargeable, and the battery is also replaceable and rechargeable via the power input line 87. In the case of a mounted battery pack, you have the freedom to use it in all module outlets rather than the power pack.

Skeleton 2011 without functional modules is converted to the power characteristics required by the computer,
It is desirable to have no power supply capability other than the power supply inserted in one of the input lines 2087 distributed to the power supply line of the note bus. For portability, power is typically supplied by one (or more) power module 2111 plugged into one or more module receptacles.

The module 2111 is connected via the line 2117 to the connector 2033 (in this case, for example) and thus to the note bus
It has a battery pack 2101 connected to 89.
Because the Notebus has several power lines that power the functional modules at different voltages and different current capabilities, the power lines in the Notebus for connecting the power supply module 2111 are for powering the modules. Is not the same as the line. There is instead a separate set of power lines to pins on the module outlet connector, such as a connector that connects to the power input / translation device 2085 as an input as well as to the input port 2087.

In FIG. 37, lines 2119 and 2121 connect the power supply module 2111 to the converter 2085, and the power input from the power supply module is used as a power supply source in the same manner as it is done to the power supply input line 2087. It is sensed and handled.
This power is converted to the required voltage and current capabilities, output on the power supply output line and returned to the module outlet. In FIG. 37, the line 2119 is grounded and the arrow 2123
Represents all of the data / address, control and power output lines to the module outlet. The line represented by arrow 2123, and lines 2119 and 2121 are the note bus 20.
89. Although not shown in FIG. 37, lines 2119 and 2121 are provided for each of the module outlet connectors.
There is a connection with.

A power supply module, such as module 2111, uses a connector on the charging module that is separate from the notebook computer, using the same connector that is used to plug into the notebook bus through the module socket in skeleton 2011. And is recharged for later use in the modular notebook computer according to the invention. This allows the user to keep a spare power supply module ready for use and charge the module without connecting the computer itself to the charging device. Further, if a power supply module is provided, the user can increase the carrying time for the notebook computer to some extent by using one or more power supply modules.

FIG. 38 shows a floppy disk drive (FDD) module 2125 plugged into a module socket of a notebook computer according to an embodiment of the present invention. The module 2125 comprises a conventional circuit implemented in a case 2130 with a connector, a guide, and a detent that can be combined with the connector 2033 so that it can be plugged into the module socket of the notebook computer of the present invention. It includes a conventional FDD device 2129 for a nominal 3.5 inch disk equipped.
The case includes an opening 2131 for inserting and removing a floppy disk, and an eject button 2133 for ejecting the floppy disk.

The controller 2127 is connected to the device through the line 2126.
2129 interacts with connector 2033 (and thus note bus 2089) via line 2128. The controller also draws power from the appropriate pins on connector 2033, but these pins and lines are not shown. Controller 2127 is an ASI for converting between note bus and FDD device.
It is a C chip or a chipset. Given the data storage standard of the FDD device and the characteristics of the bus 2089, it is well within the skill of one of ordinary skill in the art to configure the controller 2127 without experimentation.

FIG. 39 shows a hard disk drive (HDD) module 21 plugged into a bus 2089 in a module slot of a skeleton 2011 according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Shows 35. The HDD module 2135 comprises a normal HDD device 2139 mounted in a case 2137 which is pluggable and compatible with a notebook computer according to the present invention. As in the case of the FDD module described above, a controller 2141 is provided for converting between the note bus 2089 and the HDD device. The controller 2141 exchanges information with the HDD device 2139 via a line 2143 and with the connector 2033 via a line 2145. Connector 20
33 is a typical example of any one of the module connectors in a notebook computer.

It is within the technical scope of a person having ordinary skill in the art to realize the controller 2141 without any experiment, given the characteristics of the HDD device 2139 and the note bus 2089. The power line connections are not shown. When implementing the controller 2141, there are several protocols used. One is the technically known ST506 standard. The others are IDE standards known in the art. Yet another is an extended IDE known to the inventor called EIDE, which is the subject of another patent application filed. In the EIDE protocol, they are connected in a chain and the second is added with an additional selection number.
There are a plurality of IDE devices that are handled as IDE devices.

FIG. 40 shows a "flash card" inserted into the connector 2033 of the notebook computer of the present invention.
A memory module 2147 is shown. A "flash card" is a RAM memory card known in the art that can typically be plugged into a parallel port for connecting to the internal bus structure of a computer. Module 21
47 includes a conventional "flash card" 2151 mounted in a case 2149 compatible with the module socket of a notebook computer according to the present invention.

As in the case above, the controller 2153
Are required to transfer information between the "flash card" memory structure and the bus 2089. The controller 2153 uses the “flash card” device 21 via line 2155.
51 and information is exchanged with the connector 2033 through the line 2157. An opening 2159 is optionally provided in the case 2149 and a connector (not shown) is optionally provided in the device 2151 for inserting and removing a flash card, and a relatively large data storage device can be plugged in if desired. Instead, the interface is a modular interface provided by plug-in module 2147. I repeat,
Implementation of the controller is a matter of ordinary skill in the art given the known characteristics of the flash card and bus 2089.

FIG. 41 shows a LAN module 2161 plugged into a connector 2033 of a notebook computer according to an embodiment of the present invention. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 41, a normal LAN card, such as an Ethernet card, can be plugged into the module socket of a notebook computer in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention in case 2163 which is compatible. It is implemented.

The LAN card 2167 exchanges information with the normal connector 2165 on the front surface of the case of the module 2161 which is exposed to the outside when the module is inserted into the insertion slot. This is a conventional connector of the kind known in the art for connecting to computers on a network.

In a first alternative within module 2161, a regular LAN card 2167 interfaces to a controller 2169 which interacts with information via lines 2171 and 2173, which controller connects to bus 2089 and a regular LAN.
Convert between cards. In the second alternative, L
The AN card is equipped with built-in conversion and no separate controller is required. The first alternative method is the preferred one.

FIG. 42 is a connector 2033 in the socket of a notebook computer according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Shows the modem module 2175 plugged in. The modem module 2175 is a normal modem card mounted in a case 2177 that is compatible with the module insertion slot.
Includes 2181. In this case, where the term "normal" is used in connection with a card or device, and in the other cases mentioned above, it means that the circuits and functions are conventional. The size is adjusted to be compatible with the module case for plugging into the socket of a notebook computer according to the present invention.

The modem card 2181 connects through line 2183 to a telephone interface 2179 that contains one or more "jacks" to allow the handset to connect. Card 2181 interacts with Note Bus 2089 via lines 2187 and 2189 via controller 2185 which translates between a regular card and the compression bus. Alternatively, the conversion may be implemented on a single card with modem circuitry.

FIG. 43 shows a FAX module inserted into the connector 2033 of the module insertion port of the embodiment of the present invention.
2191 is shown. The module 2191 includes a normal FAX card 2199 mounted in a case 2193 having insertion compatibility with the module insertion slot of the present invention. FA
X Card 2199 is a telephone interface through line 2197
Communicate with 2195. As with the modem module described above, the telephone interface 2195 comprises more than a single telephone "jack."

The controller 2201 is a card for a normal FAX card and the notebook bus 20 via the lines 2203 and 2205.
Provides an interface between 89. Alternatively, the controller can be implemented on the same card as the fax circuit. Yet another variation is that the fax and modem capabilities described above can be implemented in a single module.

FIG. 44 shows a special data acquisition module 2207 plugged into the connector 2033 of the module insertion port of the notebook computer according to the embodiment of the present invention. The module 2207 includes a circuit card 2215 mounted in a case 2209 having insertion compatibility with the module insertion port. The card 2215 interacts with the interface 2211 containing one or several acquisition leads for connecting to an external device through the line 2213. For example, a data module is provided to track the output of an oscilloscope's vertical and horizontal sweeps, with at least two input leads, one for the vertical sweep and one for the horizontal sweep.

Card 2215 connects to connector 20 through line 2217.
33, thus interacting with Note Bus 2089. The circuitry on the card 2215 is designed to digitize the input and be compatible with the Notebus 2089 if the input is analog. Characteristics of the measured signal and note bus
The implementation of such a card, given the characteristics of 2089, is within the ordinary skill in the art.

The embodiments of the invention described above relate primarily to notebook type computers. However, the invention has broader applications. The principles of the present invention may also be applied to portable computers known as palmtop computers, further embodiments are described below.

FIG. 45A is a perspective view of a modular palmtop computer 2221 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The computer 2221 is about half the size of a standard sheet of paper (approximately 5.5 inches by 8.5 inches), and in the preferred embodiment, a case 2223 has four personal computer memory card international associations (PCMCI).
A) Equipped with a planar array of Type II module outlets.

The case 2223 of this embodiment is a combination I / O formed on one side surface of the computer 2221.
It has an O area 2225, and this combination I / O
Area 2225 includes a display device covered with a touch-sensitive planar structure. In other embodiments, the display may be a flat panel display pivotally attached to the case or a separate monitor in communication with the case 2223. The touch screen provides "softkey" operation with interactive control logic. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the control logic resides in static or dynamic memory in case 2223, but may reside in some of the installed PCMCIA type peripherals. A power supply (not shown) is enclosed within a case 2223 to convert a wide variety of standard electrical inputs to the form required by a computer. For example, there is a port (not shown) for connecting to a standard household outlet that is 120V, 60Hz alternating current. The power supply converts the input into an output as required by the computer bus and functional modules. There are also input ports for direct current 6V, direct current 12V, direct current 9V and others, and the power supply device according to one embodiment of the present invention distinguishes the input characteristics by sampling, and installs it in a suitable mounting circuit for using the input. It is possible to switch.

In the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 45A, two module insertion openings 2227 and 2229 are provided on one side surface of the case 2223. There are two further module outlets along the other side of the case opposite the module outlet shown.
In other embodiments, the spigot may be open to the other edge of the case. This configuration provides a good balance between the need to remain small and simple and also having the appropriate versatility. In another embodiment, PCMCIA
Other modular configurations can also be used, such as Type III and others. In another configuration, the configuration of the planar array of modules also changes.

FIG. 45B shows an arrow 45 in FIG.
FIG. 19 is a diagram of computer 2221 in the B-45B direction. The I / O area 2225 is located on the upper surface of the case 2223. Module slot 2227 is a set of guide slots
It has 2230A and 2230B. The guide slot positions and guides the PCMCIA module card inserted into the module insertion slot. Each module insertion port in this embodiment is configured to PCMCIA size and connection standards, and a compatible PC according to these standards.
Secure the MCIA card. In this embodiment of the invention, the case 2223 has an outlet configured to PCMCIA Type 2, Modified B standard. In other embodiments of the invention, the case may have other types of PCMCIA module outlets and may have outlets configured to one standard or another proprietary standard.

Each module insertion port has a bus connector like the connector 2231. In this embodiment,
Connector 2231 is a standard PCMCIA connector that accepts a PCMCIA card and is electrically connected to the palmtop's internal bus. It will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that there are many equivalent ways to connect functional modules.

FIG. 46 is a sectional line 46-4 of FIG.
6 is a simplified cross-sectional view of computer 2221 taken according to FIG. The frame 2228 includes four PCMCIA module outlets 2222, 2224, 2227 and four PCMCIA module configured in a planar array.
Shape 2229. The printed circuit board structure 2235 is fixedly positioned in the center of the frame 2228. Connector 2231, 2232,
2234 and 2236 are connected to the printed circuit board,
The pin structures are exposed outward toward the respective insertion portions. In the embodiment just described, the internal connector is a male connector, but this is not a requirement of the present invention.

Slots 2230A and 2230B are PCMC
Similar slots are located in each of the other module outlets that help guide the IA type card into the module outlet 2227 and are shown as dashed lines in the cross-sectional view. A set of three AA batteries 2237 are typically placed in the plane of the module receptacle, which in one embodiment provides a portable power supply means. In another embodiment, the external power source is a computer as described above.
Power the 2221.

FIG. 47 is a partial perspective view of a functional module 2240 according to an embodiment of the present invention, aligned with a module slot 2227 of computer 2221. The arrow 2241 indicates the insertion direction of the functional module. I /
The O region 2225 is formed on the upper surface of the case 2223 in a plane parallel to the plane of the module insertion port. Module 22
The 40 is a type 2 PCMCIA card with a thickness of T1. The width of the module insertion port 2227 is W
Has 1 and height H1. The length of the functional module 2240 is L1. In this embodiment of the invention, these dimensions are compatible with the PCMCIA industry standard. In other embodiments of the invention, the module outlet 2227 may be sized to accommodate other standards or specialized modules.

[0224] The module insertion port 2227 is PCMCIA
Engage the functional module 2240 in the fully inserted position according to standards. In other embodiments of the invention, detents may be provided as in FIG. 33 for the large notebook computer embodiment. Many methods are known in the art for positioning and fixing small modules. The module is fixed
It can also be accomplished by other means, such as clamping, wedging, and / or a snug locking mechanism.

FIG. 48 is an enlarged perspective view of the functional module 2240 according to the type 2 PCMCIA standard. The rear surface 2252 includes a female connector 2253 for mating with a male connector located at each module receptacle, such as connector 2231 in FIGS. 45B and 46. Connectors 2231 and 2253 are PCMCIA connectors and interface according to their industry standards. Guides 2251A and 2251B are sized according to the PCMCIA standard.

Functional modules are provided in many models capable of a wide range of functionality. For example, the computer 2221 of the one embodiment does not have an on-board CPU or system memory. These functions are provided by a functional module that is inserted into any one of the available module outlets. Other types of functional modules that may be inserted include speech-based, pen-based, and I / O system modules that provide keyboard-based input. Floppy disk drives, hard disk drives, flash card memory modules, LAN and modem adapters, fax modules, custom modules such as data acquisition modules for specific devices, custom video modules, scanner peripherals for computer adaptation modules, phones There are adapters and many more.

In the case of I / O modules, the necessary software, and in some cases firmware and hardware, are connected to the internal bus structure by inserting modules. For example, in one embodiment, a module including an induction coil and a controller is provided for decoding a signal received via a varying magnetic field to provide a code on an internal bus of a computer. The changing magnetic field is generated by a stand-alone keyboard, where the keystrokes are coded and transmitted as signals on the magnetic field.

In another embodiment, a similar module is provided for communication from the auxiliary pen based input pad. In yet another embodiment, a plug-in module provides a microphone, DSP circuitry, and necessary software to accept voice input from a user and convert the voice input into machine readable code. Providing the required software and circuitry in these examples in modular form provides maximum flexibility and upgrade capability for the modular system according to the present invention.

Electronic Architecture FIG. 49 is a block diagram showing the internal components of a palmtop computer 2221 connected to illustrate the electronic architecture of a modular computer in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The power input and / or conversion device 2257 is surrounded by a case 2223 (FIG. 45A) and has a port 2259 for power input. The power input may be from the AA battery 2237 (FIG. 46) or from an optional converter via an external power source. Converter 2257
Senses the input condition and selects the appropriate circuit to convert the input to the voltage required to power the elements of the system. The output from the converter is a bus 22 that contains paths for power as well as digital information such as data and addresses.
Turned to 55.

Since there are a wide variety of different functional modules, as shown above and described in more detail below,
Bus 2255 generally requires one or more power lines. For example, the computer 2221 uses hard disk drive modules, which are preferably provided without an on-board power supply. Since a motor drive for a hard disk requires a power supply configuration (voltage and current) different from that required by a CPU, for example, the bus 2255
Have parallel power lines with different sizes and voltage levels. The bus 2255 may have, for example, a plurality of ground lines, DC 24V, DC 12V, and DC 5V.

The bus 2255 is connected to the I / O area 2225 and carries the video signal from the video controller. The video controller may be integrated into the functional module, which is the video controller 2301 in the CPU functional module 2300.
, And the video controller may be configured in a case, which is shown as optional video controller 2301 (a). As previously described in the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the I / O region 22
25 is a combination display device having a touch-sensitive screen overlaid. From another perspective, I /
Region O may include an active matrix display, in which case a dedicated analog drive line from video controller 2301 is connected to the display. I / O area 2225 may include a conventional LCD display device,
In this case, the I / O control logic is a function of the installed dedicated I / O peripheral module. In another embodiment, the video controller 2301 is incorporated into the case 2223 (FIG. 45A) and is directly connected to the bus 2225, similar to the modular notebook computer described above.

The bus 2225 is connected to the module insertion ports 2229, 2227, 2222 and 2224 (FIG. 46) through the connectors 2232, 2234, 2236 and 2231, respectively. When a functional module such as the CPU module 2300 is inserted into the module slot, the female connector 2253 (Fig. 48) mates with the male connector 2232 located in the module slot, and the circuit inside the CPU module is connected to the bus 2255. Connected.

Palmtop Function CPU Module The onboard video controller 2301 incorporated into the CPU function module 2300 is a unique feature in one aspect of the invention. The user is provided with the ability to adjust the CPU power and type of video controller for other modules and applications for the Palmtop Computer 2221. This provides a simple means of upgrading by switching CPU function modules. The video signal is local to the CPU, which increases system performance.

FIG. 50 is a more detailed view of the CPU module 2300 for the computer 2221. CPU module
The 2300 is functionally similar to the CPU module 2099 (FIG. 36) except for the addition of the video controller 2301.
The onboard video controller 2301 is bus connected to the state converter 2266 by line 2263. In this embodiment of the invention, the state converter is configured to send and receive video signals and commands by bus 2255 through connector 2232, as well as other functions as previously described.

Other Perspectives and Features The embodiments of the invention described above deal specifically with notebook and palmtop type computers. The embodiments described below address yet another aspect of palmtop type computers.

FIG. 51 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the present invention. The computer 2400 is provided with an attached display device case 2401 capable of pivoting and a fixed keyboard 2403. The display case rotates with respect to hinge 2405 and is closed in a fixed detent position on the keyboard. The display device case 2401 includes a flat panel display device 2407.
There are two PCMCIA type module outlets 2412A and 2412B on one side of the case and two more module inlets (not shown) on the other side. The four PCMCIA module outlets are arranged in a planar array as previously described.
As previously described, the frame 2415 contains a bus structure (not shown) that interconnects all aspects of the PCMCIA type module outlet to the computer 2400. In this embodiment of the invention, a standard keyboard controller (not shown) enclosed in box 2415
The keyboard 2403 is connected to the internal bus structure.

As previously explained, there are many architectures that result from a combination of the teachings in this disclosure. Smartphones, for example, are well known phone configurations as generally or substantially shown in FIG. 6 with modular outlets as shown for receiving DSP modules and other functional modules. May be provided at. Smartphone is ISD
It may be connected to a PBX or computer device as shown in FIGS. 4, 5 and 7 by N or serial connection.

As an alternative to the conventional telephone configuration, a smartphone element (or equivalent) as shown in FIG. 7 is implemented in a μPDA module,
It may be coupled to a modular desktop as disclosed herein, or to a mating outlet of a portable computer. This combination shares some elements of the computer, such as speakers and microphones, and to some extent microprocessors and memory elements. Computer keyboards are used for dialing and managing calls and data transmissions, and a graphical interface may be provided on the computer display for input and feedback regarding call and data transmission management.

In another option, a smart phone circuit as disclosed herein may be directly integrated into a computer, either a desktop or a portable device such as a notebook computer. This causes the computer to inherit the functionality of the smartphone. In this embodiment, the disclosed PC interface is used or directly connected, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art. In this option, a coupling spout may be used for an additional level of DSP capability. In this option, the computer has a speaker and microphone (which most have) that acts as a telephone handset, a keyboard is an input device for things like dialing, and a graphic interface for managing data and control. It is provided for.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that there are many modifications that can be made in the described embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. Some of the additional and alternatives were mentioned above.

Similarly, there are many equivalent ways of implementing some functions without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, there are many alternative configurations that work together with a smartphone. For example, the PBX may transmit digital and analog data. The analog lines, especially from the PBX, support older fax machines and other analog communication devices that are part of the user's system. Similarly, the PC may have an analog interface so that, for example, a document scanner can read the data into the PC and send the data to the smartphone. In other configurations, even PBXs are not needed. Smartphone input is instead made through standard public telephone lines, such as ISDN lines. There are many types of cases and applications that can be used. Different embodiments are made with different specifications. For example, although originally conceived for a smartphone system embodiment, the special plug-in RS-485 interface of FIG.
May become a hardware standard for. There are many variations that are within the scope of the invention.

In addition to the above, there are many ways to implement the μPDA support structure and interconnect the active components. One method is illustrated by Figure 12 and described in the accompanying text. There are many alternatives to this preferred structure. Also, there is a wide range of size and form factors that may be taken by the device according to the invention. Although the use of the well known PCMCIA form factor has been disclosed, other sizes and factors may be provided in alternative embodiments. In a larger embodiment, onboard peripherals are configured.

In addition to these alternatives, there are various ways in which connections for the μPDA bus may be provided. Although the well known PCMCIA standard is disclosed as preferred, other connections may be used in other embodiments.
The memory type and size may be changed. The means of providing the security code may vary. The characteristics of the internal bus may be changed. In fact, there are many variations that do not depart from the scope of the invention.

There are many additional changes that may be made in the disclosed embodiments with respect to a modular computer architecture without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, more or less than the four module outlets described may be used. There may be two or more planar arrays of module outlets. In order to provide more coupling outlets in a compact arrangement, more than one plane level may be provided, with multiple coupling outlets in each plane. Similarly, there are many ways to make modules to be coupled to a framework such as computers 2011, 2221 and 2400 to form a planar array. There are many different types of connectors available as well as many types of compression buses that can be used. There are many types of modules provided. Many other changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a smart PBX known to the inventor.
It is a block diagram of a system.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a telephone communication system with a DSP module in a PC, also known to the inventor.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a smartphone system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a smartphone device in the system of FIG.

FIG. 5 is a diagram of a special interface between a smartphone and a PC according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an exemplary smartphone according to an embodiment of the invention, showing a user interface.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 is an approximate pin count for a smartphone ASIC as shown in FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another smartphone according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing a user interface incorporating an ultra-small personal portable information device (μPDA).

FIG. 10 is a block diagram of a cordless smartphone according to another embodiment of the present invention.

11A is a perspective view of a μPDA according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 11B is a perspective view of FIG.
It is a top view of (micro | micron | mu) PDA of (A).

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of FIG. 11 (A) and FIG. 11 (B).
3 is a sectional view of the μPDA of FIG.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram of the μPDA and some peripheral elements of FIG. 11 (A).

FIG. 14 is a more detailed plan view of the μPDA of FIG. 11 (A), and in particular, in terms of the present invention, L
2 illustrates a CD display and touch screen user interface.

FIG. 15 is a view of a μPDA according to an aspect of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a host notebook computer, where a μPDA is about to be coupled to the coupling slot of the notebook computer.

FIG. 16 is in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention,
ΜPD connected to the connection port of the host computer
It is a block diagram of A.

FIG. 17 is in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention,
FIG. 7 is a logic flow diagram of the steps for coupling a μPDA to a host computer.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a μPDA software vending machine in terms of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention,
FIG. 7 is a top plan view of a μPDA enhanced user interface.

FIG. 20 is a top plan view of a μPDA with a microphone according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention,
ΜPDA combined with a dedicated cellular or cordless phone
FIG.

FIG. 22 is in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention,
Μ with speaker and pager interface
It is a top view of PDA.

FIG. 23 is in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention,
FIG. 7 is a plan view of a μPDA provided with an infrared communication interface.

FIG. 24 is in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention,
FIG. 3 is a plan view of a μPDA equipped with a scanner accessory device.

FIG. 25 is in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention,
FIG. 7 is a plan view of a μPDA with an attached fax modem.

FIG. 26 is in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention,
FIG. 3 is a plan view of a μPDA including a printer adapter interface.

FIG. 27 is in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention,
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a μPDA coupled to a barcode reader that provides a data acquisition peripheral.

FIG. 28 is in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention,
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a μPDA provided with a solar battery charger.

FIG. 29 is in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention,
FIG. 6 is a plan view of four μPDAs interfacing with a dedicated network console that provides inter-PDA communication.

FIG. 30 shows a μPDA according to the invention connected to a standard size keyboard by an expansion port.
FIG.

31 (A) is a perspective view of the framework of a modular notebook computer in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 31 (B) is a line 31 on FIG. 31 (A).
It is the figure which looked at the framework of the computer of FIG. 31 (A) from between B-31B.

32 is a section line 32-32 of FIG. 31 (B).
31 is a cross-sectional view of the computer skeleton of FIG.

33 shows a functional module according to the invention in connection with the docking insert of the skeleton of FIG. 31 (A).

FIG. 34 is another view of a functional module according to the present invention.

FIG. 35 is a block diagram of a compression bus and connection of a docking slot of a computer skeleton according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 36 is C according to an embodiment of the present invention.
It is a block diagram of a PU functional module.

FIG. 37 is a block diagram of a power supply functional module according to an embodiment of the invention, including an indication of connection to an internal bus and a power converter of a computer.

FIG. 38 is a block diagram of a floppy disk drive function module used in the present invention.

FIG. 39 is a block diagram of a hard disk drive module used in an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 40 is a block diagram of a “flash card” memory module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 41 shows L according to an embodiment of the present invention.
It is a block diagram of an AN module.

FIG. 42 is a block diagram of a modem module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 43 shows F according to an embodiment of the present invention.
It is a block diagram of an AX module.

FIG. 44 is a block diagram of a data acquisition module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

45 (A) is a perspective view of the framework of a modular palmtop computer according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 45 (B) is a line 45 on FIG. 45 (A).
It is the figure which looked at the frame of the computer of FIG. 45 (A) from between B-45B.

46 is a section line 46-46 of FIG. 45 (B).
FIG. 46 is a cross-sectional view of the computer skeleton of FIG.

FIG. 47 is a diagram showing a functional module and a dedicated docking insertion slot according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 48 is another view of a functional module according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 49 is a block diagram of a compression bus and connection of a computer skeleton to a docking spigot according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 50 shows C according to an embodiment of the present invention.
It is a block diagram of a PU functional module.

FIG. 51 is a perspective view of a modular palmtop computer according to another embodiment of the present invention.

   ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (72) Inventor Pascal Donnie             California, United States             94086, Sunnyvale, North Murphy             ー Avenue 374 (72) Inventor William J. Sailer             California, United States             95066, Scotts Valley, Glenn Cay             Nion Road 2420

Claims (11)

[Claims] 1. A container for enclosing and supporting internal elements, a microcontroller within the container for managing the functions of a personal portable information device module, and a bus structure connected to the microcontroller.
A memory for storing data and executable routines; a power supply in the container for supplying power to the functional elements of the personal portable information device module; and a first part of the host interface connector on the surface of the container for the first part of the host interface connector. A host interface bus structure for connecting a microcontroller, the host interface connector having a host interface configured to couple the microcontroller to a host computer via the host interface bus structure, and the host interface connector via the bus structure. A digital telephone circuit coupled to the microcontroller and coupled to the host computer via the host interface to provide a telephone function and a user interface for voice communication. Personal portable information device module that includes. 2. A display device operable on the microcontroller and configured on the surface of the container and connected to the microcontroller to supply commands and data to a personal portable information equipment module. The personal portable information equipment module according to claim 1, further comprising: 3. The digital telephone circuit includes a microphone / speaker device that provides audio input and output, and a coder / decoder for converting audio between analog and digital forms for further processing by the microcontroller. The personal portable information device module according to claim 1, further comprising: 4. The digital telephone circuit includes control code executable by the host computer when the personal handheld information device module is connected via the host interface, the control code being the aforesaid control code. 5. The host computer configured to implement a menu driven display having an entry area for a telephone number and a mechanism for initiating a telephone call.
The personal portable information equipment module described. 5. The personal portable information equipment module according to claim 4, wherein the menu driven display includes an area for searching a pre-stored telephone number, credit card number, and access code from the memory. 6. The personalized telephone system of claim 4 wherein said digital telephone circuit includes an interface to an integrated services digital network (ISDN) telephone line and said control code provides the software functions necessary to operate with the ISDN telephone line. Portable information equipment module. 7. A general-purpose computer having a module insertion port provided with a keyboard input, a speaker, and an interface connector, the general-purpose computer configured to function by a functional module inserted in the module insertion port, and the interface connector of the general-purpose computer. A host interface connector that engages at its surface, a function for making a telephone call coupled to the general-purpose computer through the host interface connector and the interface connector, and a function for supplying a user interface for voice communication. And a functional module having a digital telephone circuit for enabling the general-purpose computer to which the functional module is connected to function as a speakerphone, and the user inputs a telephone number to make a call. Digital telephone system to be able to start. 8. The module insertion slot is a standard PCM
PCMCI having a PCMCIA card slot with CIA connector, said functional module having a host interface connector mated with said standard PCMCIA connector of said PCMCIA card slot
The digital telephone system according to claim 7, which has an A card. 9. The digital telephone of claim 8, wherein the functional module includes a microphone / speaker device for providing audio input / output, and a coder / decoder for converting audio between analog and digital forms. system. 10. The digital telephone system of claim 8, wherein the functional module includes a DSP module that provides digital signal processing functions. 11. The digital telephone system according to claim 8, wherein the functional module further includes an ISDN telephone line port connecting the functional module to a digital telephone line.